Tech Safety for Families
Tween online safety has become front and center in social media. Did you know that 50% of teens age 11-16 report being addicted to technology? Social media has replaced learning and social connection. Tweens do not have the maturity to safely use technology until they are fully matured which occurs at age 26.
So how did we get here?
In the 1980s, violent crimes increased drastically in the U.S., as did parental fear. We saw a shift in how kids were raised in the 1990s. Then the internet was created and we were all in awe. In 2010, most people had access to technology, and with this, a false sense of security. Kids could communicate and be entertained on screen, and thus be safe from the outside world. Fast forward to 2024 when there is a U.S. Surgeon General warning about internet use for children’s safety. We never thought about online safety, addiction and/or privacy.
How to help children be safe with technology?
Be thoughtful about when and why we use or need technology with regards to each child in your family. For ages 11-13, access to technology is too much for their developmental age without parental safeguards. There are alternatives, such as watches, that do not have internet but allow you to communicate with your child safely.
Set up mandatory shutdowns of technology for all family members such as meal time and 1-2 hours before bed time daily where technology cannot be used. Set up these rules early in their development and be consistent as it can be challenging. If we do not model what we teach our children they are very unlikely to comply.
Talk with your kids about what they have seen and listened to via technology. This will start a dialogue with your kids about safety. Discuss if what they viewed is real or not, which is an important opportunity to connect with kids.
Technology is a two edged sword. It can help and hinder our connection with our kids. Be thoughtful and continue to connect with them which will foster stronger family ties.
Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.
